LECTURES at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College have been going like clockwork since inventor Trevor Baylis enrolled as a visiting professor.

Professor Baylis OBE, who invented the clockwork radio, has been lecturing students on product and engineering design since he joined the college, in February.

He developed the wind-up radio in 1991 after watching a radio programme about the role of radios in getting information about AIDS to remote parts of Africa, where batteries are too expensive.

The prototype, developed by a pair of South African entrepreneurs, proved hugely successful and elevated Professor Baylis to celebrity status with appearances on TV programmes Tomorrow's World and This Is Your Life.

He was also invited to a state banquet, in 1996, where he was introduced to the Queen and South African President Nelson Mandela.

Professor Baylis gave his inaugural lecture at the college, on April 29. He spoke about other famous inventors and told his audience: "There is an inventor in all of us if we only had the guts to follow our ideas through."

His latest brainwaves include a clockwork laptop computer, a clockwork torch and a clockwork laptop education system, all designed for use in developing countries where electricity is not always available.

Dr Trevor Nicholls, Dean of Technology at the college, said the inventor's appointment has been welcomed by staff and students alike.

He said: "Trevor Baylis provides a most welcome breath of fresh air to the subject of invention.

"His appointment has been an inspiration to many of our students, as it is rare that you see such a down-to-earth man but with amazing vision and incredible understanding of people's needs."

Picture shows Trevor Baylis

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